Senator Gaines weighs in on Brown budget

On June 27, the Democrats put forward a budget plan. Once again, it is an irresponsible budget that is not balanced, not honest and not what the people of California deserve from their government. It is a phony, gimmicky document that does nothing to address the chronic, structural overspending that plagues our state and I absolutely could not support it.

Letter from Senator Gaines re:JOIN ME AT THE 38th ANNUAL CAPITOL FROG JUMP!

Senator Gaines jumps his frog at the 2011 Capitol Frog Jump

The renowned Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee made famous by Mark Twain will “jump” off with a preview at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 2 at 12 noon on the East Lawn near the Trout Pond. I’ll be hosting the 38th annual Capitol Frog Jump where elected officials, legislative staff and media will see who can make their frog jump the farthest.

NEW LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO REPEAL ILLEGAL FIRE TAX

Today I stood with fellow legislative Republicans and California’s rural residents to announce Assembly Bill 1506 (R-Jeffries), a measure to repeal the fire tax.

This $150 fire tax is illegal and unfair – plain and simple. Many rural property owners already pay local fire agencies for protection so it is clearly double-taxation and it is being dumped on the backs of rural Californians when the state has 11-percent unemployment and families are struggling just to make ends meet.

Senator Gaines on 'fire tax'

Earlier this month, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) adopted a third set of amended emergency “State Responsibility Area” fire fee regulations.

I reported to you in December that the Board had adopted the regulations at that time, but they were withdrawn to make substantive changes to address some of the Legislative Analyst Office’s concerns.
The state will still levy $150 on all habitable structures served by CalFire; however, the newly adopted regulations remove non–residential buildings from the definition of habitable structure and delete the proposed $25 charge per additional dwelling unit, and also slightly clarify the definition of dwelling unit. Residents who live within the jurisdiction of another fire agency will still receive a $35 discount — making the fee $115.

Senator Gaines comments on President's State of the Union address

Many of you may have recently watched Governor Jerry Brown deliver his annual 2012 State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature and the people of California.

I believe California’s future can be bright and full of promise if the government provides the foundation for its prosperity and is not a barrier to its success. Lower taxes, smarter regulations and a government that lives within its means – that is the path to a vibrant and prosperous California. Unfortunately, Governor Brown is headed down the wrong path.

Senator Gaines & Panel Discuss California's Economic Crisis

Senator Ted Gaines (R-Roseville), along with a panel of California government and economic experts, held an informative and insightful community discussion at the State Capitol to explore the myriad challenges dragging down our state and opportunities for an economic renaissance.
“In light of the recent Legislative Analyst’s Office report on California’s grim fiscal outlook, it’s critical that we examine every opportunity to turn around our state’s economy,” said Gaines. “Today’s diverse panel of experts spoke from different perspectives on what ails California, but one overarching theme is that our state needs to make it easier for businesses to succeed.”

Ted Gaines update on Fire Tax

In October, I wrote about ABx1 29, an illegal fire tax that was going to hang a new $150 tax around the necks of rural property owners without providing them with any additional fire protection. That illegal tax still stands and was recently approved by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board).
The state will levy $150 on all habitable structures served by CalFire. Property owners whose structures have multiple dwelling units will pay $150 for the first unit and $25 for each additional dwelling unit. Residents who live within the jurisdiction of another fire agency will receive a $35 discount -making the fee $115. It is still unclear when the fees will be implemented.

Senators Gaines and Hernandez's Hospital Cost Transparency Bill On Its Way To Governor

Senator Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) and Senator Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) today announced that their bill – Senate Bill 751 – has cleared both the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support and is now on its way to Governor Brown.

Senate Bill 751 is a straightforward measure that will give California consumers access to cost and quality information regarding hospitals in their communities. Consumers will be able to use this valuable information to determine which hospital will provide the best care for their ailment.

Calaveras County Taxpayers Association event 8-3-2011

 4th Annual BBQ - Keynote Speaker Senator Ted Gaines